Dougherty Arts Center
Political Black Hole
RECEIVED Mon., Dec. 21, 2020
Dear Editor,
Another politician’s career just went up in flames (or down the drain, whichever metaphor you might prefer) because of his role in a very questionable and controversial rezoning.
Last year, Milestone Builders, developers of The Grove in Central Austin, sought to build 60 homes on a 40-acre property in River Place in far West Austin. However, three problems existed with the property: 1) it was only one-third developable because of steep slopes; 2) it was at the end of a very long cul de sac (Milky Way Drive) with limited access; and 3) it was in a highly vulnerable wildfire-prone area.
Neighbors were not against development, but because of the site constraints, asked that it be limited to 25 homes. City transportation and fire department reviewers both agreed that the proposed project was too dense for the site. And city planning staff recommended no more than 45 homes. A neighborhood petition protesting the project garnered over 500 signatures. Zoning and Platting Commissioners expressed serious concerns about the density and access and voted 4-3 to recommend denial.
So, what happened when the rezoning got to City Council? Jimmy Flannigan took charge and negotiated a deal with Milestone that allowed up to 100 units, or four times what the neighbors agreed to, twice what staff recommended, and 40 more than even Milestone had asked for. He also waived any payments to the city affordable housing fund. Alter, Pool and Tovo voted “no”.
This week, Flannigan sought reelection and was defeated by a 52% to 48% margin. River Place residents turned out in record number and voted almost four to one against him (794 to 230).
The “Milky Way” is a galaxy not so far away and full of black holes, including some political!
Another politician’s career just went up in flames (or down the drain, whichever metaphor you might prefer) because of his role in a very questionable and controversial rezoning.
Last year, Milestone Builders, developers of The Grove in Central Austin, sought to build 60 homes on a 40-acre property in River Place in far West Austin. However, three problems existed with the property: 1) it was only one-third developable because of steep slopes; 2) it was at the end of a very long cul de sac (Milky Way Drive) with limited access; and 3) it was in a highly vulnerable wildfire-prone area.
Neighbors were not against development, but because of the site constraints, asked that it be limited to 25 homes. City transportation and fire department reviewers both agreed that the proposed project was too dense for the site. And city planning staff recommended no more than 45 homes. A neighborhood petition protesting the project garnered over 500 signatures. Zoning and Platting Commissioners expressed serious concerns about the density and access and voted 4-3 to recommend denial.
So, what happened when the rezoning got to City Council? Jimmy Flannigan took charge and negotiated a deal with Milestone that allowed up to 100 units, or four times what the neighbors agreed to, twice what staff recommended, and 40 more than even Milestone had asked for. He also waived any payments to the city affordable housing fund. Alter, Pool and Tovo voted “no”.
This week, Flannigan sought reelection and was defeated by a 52% to 48% margin. River Place residents turned out in record number and voted almost four to one against him (794 to 230).
The “Milky Way” is a galaxy not so far away and full of black holes, including some political!
Jim Duncan
